Notts Police making progress on responding to austerity

Published:14:30Friday 29 May 2015

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A report launched today (Friday 29th May) by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), has recognised the good progress put in place by Notts Police to address budget challenges presented by central government funding cuts.

HMIC carried out a progress inspection following the 2014 ‘Policing in Austerity’ report.

The findings of the progress report outlined the successful introduction of the new operating model, Delivering the Future, a fundamental review of both specialist and neighbourhood policing, and corporate services.

The report said that HMIC had confidence in the plan and the strong management needed to support changes such as reductions in staff and officer numbers but said the next few years will be critical if it is to succeed.

Deputy Chief Constable, Sue Fish, said: “We have to react to financial pressures so that we can continue to serve the public in the most effective way.”

“I am pleased that the innovative approach we have taken, not just in addressing the financial pressures but our determination to continue to improve service delivery to the public, has been recognised in this report and that there is already evidence of changes such as the Contact Resolution Team and the Telephone Investigation Bureau having a positive impact.”

“We will continue use crime prevention, collaboration and partnership working to become even more effective.”

“Each of our Delivering the Future projects has a dedicated project manager and they all have a detailed project plan with a time line that is kept under constant review. A process of regular monthly updates to a project board ensures that any potential risks can be identified and where necessary mitigation can be put in place to ensure that the plan is delivered without putting service delivery at risk.”

“I am confident in the ability of Nottinghamshire Police to protect the public given the challenges we face as we have a strong and capable team and a dedicated force whose focus remains victim-led with the desire to keep our communities safe.”

Delivering the Future includes changes to response and neighbourhood policing which will see a different mix of officers and staff working together, a greater focus on crime prevention and flexible, more efficient, working in order to deliver the best possible service to the community.

DCC Fish said: “We are committed to realising our vision of being the best police service in the country. Delivering the Future change programme will enable us to achieve this. Neighbourhood policing will continue to be the bedrock of our policing model.”

“We continue to work with our partners to effectively protect the public together.”

“Our focus is on the areas where we are needed most. We will always ensure we will be there when the public needs us and that the public is getting the right service from the right person at the right time.”